Sustainability

Question 1

Why is sustainability important?

Answer 1

To maintain the conditions that allow humans & nature to exist in harmony by meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations

For firms profitability
Client Loyalty & attract new clients
Employee retention

Question 2

What do you understand of sustainability in the RICS Rules of conduct?

Answer 2

That members & firms when advising clients about projects, encourage solutions that are sustainable in that they minimise harm and deliver balanced economic, social & environmental benefits.

Question 3

What are the 3 Pillars of Sustainability?

Answer 3

Environmental
Social
Economic

These are central factors in measuring the sustainability and ethical impact of an investment in a company or business

Question 4

What is MEES?

Answer 4

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards

Came into force in Eng & Wales 1st April 2018

Improve the quality of privately rented homes

Increase energy efficiency of the worst performing houses

Improve comfort & conditions in privately rented homes & reduce fuel poverty.

Question 5

How does MEES impact your role?

Answer 5

During sales of properties ensure EPC’S are up to date

Ensure tenancies are valid & inline with MEES

Question 6

What is an EPC ?

Answer 6

Energy Performance Certificate - providing an energy rating.

Range from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient)

Required for Residential & Commercial Properties when let or sold

For a property to be legally let must have an EPC rating of E or higher.
Some properties with F or G ratings can be let out but must have a government exemption in place.

Government are proposing to raise EPC to C by 2030

Question 7

How is an EPC Calculated?

Answer 7

By using The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) - for domestic

The Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) for commercial

Question 8

What properties are exempt from EPC’s?

Answer 8

1. Temporary building - used for 2 years or less
2. Religious buildings
3. Small Standalone Buildings - less than 50m2 of useful floor area)
4. Some light industrial & agricultural buildings
5. Holiday accommodation - let for less than 4 months each years or used for short holiday lets
6. Listed buildings.

Question 9

Why is sustainability important for your firm?

Answer 9

Firms profitability
Staff retention
Cost efficiencies
Encourage new clients

Question 10

What is Building Life Cycle Assessment?

Answer 10

Evaluation process
Assess the environmental impacts of a building throughout its life cycle
Used to understand & quantify the effects of a building on the environment from the moment it is designed & constructed, until it’s demolished or repurposed

Question 11

What sustainable factors do you see/familar with in the rural sector?

Answer 11

Agri environment schemes
Min till
renewables
rainwater harvesting systems
Regenerative farming

Question 12

What sustainable practices do you undertake in your work/office/role environment?

Answer 12

Recycle
Only print hard copies when necessary
Ensure light/heat is only on when required
Car share at appropriated times - meetings etc

Question 13

How does your firm support/manage sustainable practices?

Answer 13

Environmental - Provides recycling facilities
motion sensor lights in public spaces/toilets
Only print hardcopies when necessary
Purchases recycled paper for printing
Uses energy saving light bulbs

Question 14

What is the Energy Act 2023

Answer 14

Legislation which aims to strengthen energy security & independence of energy supply in the UK & regulation of the energy market
Supports the shift to Net Zero.

Question 15

What is Net Zero?

Answer 15

A target set for completely negating the amount of Greenhouse Gas produced, by reducing emissions & implementing methods of absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere

UK Government Target of Net Zero - 2050, following the Net Zero strategy including accelerating decarbonisation

Question 16

How is BNG used to assist sustainability?

Answer 16

BNG is an important component of sustainable development but it is not the sole answer. BNG primarily addresses the environmental aspect of sustainability specifically in terms of biodiversity conservation and provision

Question 17

How is SFI relevant in your role/area of practice?

Answer 17

Rewards farmers for producing food in an environmentally friendly manner, encouraging sustainable farming practices

Forms a significant part of my day to day work

Question 18

What is an Integrated Management System (IMS)?

Answer 18

A single framework that integrates multiple management systems such as quality, environmental, H&S into one cohesive system

Question 19

What are the benefits of an IMS?

Answer 19

Allows processes to be streamlined, avoids duplication & improves overall efficiency

Question 20

What does ISO Stand for?

Answer 20

International Organisation for Standardisation - global standards for trusted goods and services

Question 21

What is ESG?

Answer 21

Environmental Social & Governance -framework used to asses sustainability & ethical impact

Question 22

What are the 3 Pillars of Sustainability?

Answer 22

Environmental
Social
Economic

Question 23

How is Rendells sustainable?

Answer 23

Protects the environment - teams meetings, energy efficient light bulbs, only printing when necessary, recycling facilities

Promotion of social equity - volunteering at local shows, supporting local charities, involvement in fundraisers

Supports the local economy - supports local business, regularly provides training opportunities

Question 24

How am I sustainable in my work economically?

Answer 24

I set realistic fee income targets at the start of every financial year

Question 25

How am I sustainable in my work socially?

Answer 25

I foster strong relationships and promote inclusivity by scheduling team meetings & social events when all members of the team are available

Question 26

How am I sustainable during my work?

Answer 26

Economic - contribute to rendells financial stability - setting realistic fee income targets at the start of the year Social - Foster strong relationships & promote inclusivity Environmental - have phone or online meetings where possible, reduce the amount of pages i print and only print when necessary

Question 27

What does the social aspect of ESG focus on?

Answer 27

The social aspect of ESG focuses human rights and equity - it is an organisations relationship with people inc. enployee, suppliers etc, as well as its policies and that actions that impact individuals, groups and society

Question 28

How is the RICS sustainable?

Answer 28

Economic - Offers training & support to professionals in the built environment, RICS Matrics to support student surveyors Social - Birchard Review focus on the diversity within the RICS & promoting talent from an increased range of backgrounds, RICS Inclusive Employer Quality Mark, Benchmark for inclusion & quality in RICS Firms Environmental - RICS advocates for policies that support sustainable development, such as mandatory carbon assessments for new projects